Dean Brady to serve as 2014 commencement speaker at Penn State Schuylkill

Christian M. M. Brady, dean of the Schreyer Honors College at The Pennsylvania State University, will serve as the Spring 2014 commencement speaker at Penn State Schuylkill. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at noon on May 10 on the campus green.

Brady joined Penn State in August 2006. Prior to arriving at Penn State, he served as an associate professor of classical studies and Jewish studies at Tulane University and as director of Tulane's Honors Program.

He holds two advanced degrees from the University of Oxford, a graduate diploma in Jewish studies and a doctorate in Oriental studies with a concentration in ancient Hebrew and Jewish literature, the former obtained simultaneously while completing a master's degree in biblical and theological studies from Wheaton College. His baccalaureate degree, in Near Eastern studies and history, is from Cornell University.

Kelly M. Austin, chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill said, "We're most pleased to have Dean Brady serve as our 2014 commencement speaker during this, the anniversary of our 80th year as a Penn State campus. We've recently revitalized the Honors Program at Penn State Schuylkill and his perspective on education will serve as an inspiration for our graduates, and the entire Penn State Schuylkill community. The mission of the Schreyer Honors College?to promote academic excellence with integrity, build a global perspective, and create opportunities for leadership and civic engagement?parallels our vision for our students as well."

As dean of the Schreyer Honors College, Brady has engaged current Scholars and prospective students through the addition of a Dean's blog on the college's website and a series of podcasts featuring Scholars, alumni, and friends of the college.

Upon his appointment to the position as dean in 2006, he said, "An honors program is predicated upon the belief that honors ought to be placed upon those who excel in academic endeavors. But what is good and honorable is not just the acquisition of knowledge; indeed, special knowledge is not needed at all, other than knowing what is right and having the strength and courage to do it. 'Knowing what is right' is the tough part, and it is my hope to continue the tradition of helping Schreyer Honors College Scholars find individualized answers to this question."

Brady regularly teaches courses on the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and ancient Judaism through the College of the Liberal Arts. He is also an affiliate faculty member in Penn State's College of Information Sciences and Technology.

Brady is deeply engaged with the Presidential Leadership Academy, a three-year program that provides a unique integrated learning experience for a select group of students beginning their sophomore year. His involvement includes teaching individual class sessions, moderating discussions within Academy-sponsored programs, and accompanying Academy members on field trips each semester.

University-wide commitments include serving on the Faculty Senate Committee for Undergraduate Education and an appointment to the University's Freeh Implementation Advisory Council. He led Penn State's 2011 United Way campaign, which raised nearly $1 million from Penn State faculty and staff. He is also the past chair of the Penn State Forum, a lunchtime speaker's series, modeled after the National Press Club, for the University community. Brady is an adviser to the Penn State chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and an adviser to Innoblue, a campus-wide student entrepreneurship group.

Brady also serves on the board of directors of the American Red Cross Centre Communities Chapter.


About Penn State Schuylkill:

Throughout its 80-year history, the campus has remained dedicated to its mission of bringing educational and cultural opportunities to Schuylkill County. Penn State Schuylkill currently offers the first two years of over 160 bachelor's degree programs, four associate degrees, five baccalaureate degrees, and six minors. More than thirty organizations and six varsity sports are available. Continuing education programs, Kid's College summer camps, a varied program of cultural events, and service learning opportunities bring together students and community needs to continue to integrate the campus into the local community.

For more information on Penn State Schuylkill, contact Mary Sacavage at 570-385-6217 or [email protected]